Architects possess the unique ability to design seemingly impossible structures by combining their creativity with mathematical and scientific mastery. The House of the Big Arch, also known as the “skinny home,” is a remarkable example of such ingenuity. Nestled in South Africa’s Bushveld ecoregion, this tall house is nearly invisible from above, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings without disturbing a single tree during construction.
Designed by the Johannesburg-based architecture studio Frankie Pappas, the House of the Big Arch was commissioned by an elderly couple who wanted to live harmoniously within the Waterberg Mountains. The building elegantly weaves between the riverine forest and red sandstone cliffs, creating a truly unique and sustainable structure. The owners, who deeply value nature, often open their farm to underprivileged youths and share their knowledge of the surrounding flora and fauna.
The studio’s meticulous approach included laser-scanning the area and creating a 3D virtual forest to ensure minimal impact on the environment. The result is a long and extremely skinny home that gracefully integrates into the forest canopy. With an off-grid design powered by solar panels and rainwater collection, the house prioritizes sustainability using materials like stock bricks and sustainably-grown timbers.
The House of the Big Arch is a testament to the architects’ respect for the natural world, seamlessly blending modern design with the surrounding environment. This unique building embodies a thoughtful and direct response to its specific location, making it a truly one-of-a-kind structure unlike any other in the world.
